CONSERVATION AREAS NEAR THE CITY

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GRAFF HOUSE, RICHMONDGraff House sits within the trust grounds of St Margarets, a mile away from Richmond town centre. St Margarets trust grounds are made up of three secure private gardens making up 12 acres, which naturally lend themselves to family picnics, tennis tournaments and sports days. The Thames, Kew Gardens and the Richmond Deer Park are all on the doorstep and – for more earthly matters – Heathrow is just eight miles away. The six-bedroom house was built in 1854 and has just been renovated with beautiful fabrics, contemporary design and excellent woodwork. £4.5m from Knight Frank;tel: 020 8939 2800, www.knightfrank.co.uk

LATIMER VILLAGE, BUCKSThe charming, pub-filled village of Latimer is perfectly poised between London and the country, in the Chilterns. A village and civil parish that sits on the border between Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, it’s also on the Chiltern branch of the Metropolitan Line that goes straight into Moorgate and Aldgate. Nearby is Latimer House, a Tudor-style mansion on a hill that was home to the barons of Chesham – it was also home of the British military’s Joint Service Defence College in the 20th century.

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, LONDON NW11Whereas almost all previous planned settlements in this country had been created by a single aristocratic landowner, the Garden Suburb, near Golders Green, was a new kind of creation – a co-operative endeavour by a group of social idealists. The community – consisting of quiet, carefully manicured streets, large, attractive houses and squares and a striking church – is considered a magnificent symbol of the arts and crafts movement. With Hampstead Heath right there and a host of top schools including Henrietta Barnet and South Hampstead High nearby, this is one of the most sought-after places to live – just ask resident Jonathan Ross.

For sale in the area: a six-bedroom, double-fronted Grade II-listed family home in Heath Close, a cul de sac with views towards Hampstead Heath extension. £1,975,000 from Aston Chase;tel: 020 8455 3538, www.astonchase.com

FLINT COTTAGE, OLD AMERSHAM, BUCKSOld Town has a rich history – it was once a centre for the Lollards, a religious movement whose advocates arrived in the 14th century to preach barefoot on the streets, and has coaching inns, 16th century buildings including a market hall, and impressive memorial gardens. This four-bedroom cottage’s features include original details such as imposing flint elevations, arched windows and high ceilings. £695,000 though Savills; 01494 725636, www.savills.com